Observatory building surrounded by yellow security fence

A yellow security fence has been placed around the observatory building in Mission’s Fraser River Heritage Park.

There are no signs saying why the fence is in place, but in June, Mission council voted to demolish the structure.

According to staff reports, it could cost up to $400,000 to complete the construction and $25,000 to tear it down.

The proposed observatory has been the subject of a large public debate since the idea was first approved by the previous council in 2013.

Construction began in March 2014 but the project was halted after the current council decided not to renew the park management contract with the Mission Heritage Association. Instead the district took over management of the park and construction of all remaining buildings on site, including the observatory.

A decision was then made to abandon the observatory project. At the time, the district raised several concerns including the location of the structure, the feasibility of the business plan, construction problems and even the safety of the location, due to concerns regarding the nearby slope.

The Mission Heritage Association countered all of those allegations believing the location to be adequate and safe and the business plan to be sound.